Programme Policy Officer

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Job Description

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

In a world where hunger is soaring but funding for humanitarian relief programs is constrained, it is more important than ever that WFP strives to unleash the power of innovation. Cutting-edge advances in science, innovation and technology offer new ways to boost WFP’s efficiency and impact and reach the millions of people in need around the world. Innovation is critical to enable the United Nations World Food Programme to deliver on its mandate to reach Zero Hunger. WFP puts intention into innovation to achieve our goal of Zero Hunger. To achieve this, WFP pilots and scales promising ideas by leveraging advances in digital innovation. It also provides Innovation Consulting Services to share knowledge with other agencies and organizations working towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

South Sudan is one of the least developed countries in the world. This newest country on the African continent has vast natural resources, rich cultures, and a young population, key ingredients for growth and prosperity. However, after independence in 2011, civil war and persistent communal violence have kept the country in protracted crises, destroying infrastructure and people’s livelihoods, reducing social services, causing displacement, and increasing humanitarian needs. The 2018 revitalized peace agreement put an end to large scale violence, giving hope for state building and recovery. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic, consecutive years of unprecedented flooding, increased occurrence of dry spells and drought, and the Russia-Ukraine war have further strained the coping capacities of national and subnational institutions, communities, and people. As a result, humanitarian needs keep rising, and resourcing gaps continue widening. In 2023, 9.4 million people, 76 percent of the population, are said to be in need of humanitarian support (source: Humanitarian Needs Overview).

South Sudan is working towards restoring itself as a regional hub for commerce, transportation, trade, and industry linking with several opportunities resulting from the growing use of digital technologies and planned investments. The South Sudan Country Office (SSCO) has demonstrated strong potential for scaling and integrating innovation whether the IGNITE Challenge Fund’s direct contribution to Strategic Outcome (SO) 3 of the CSP, in improving smallholder productivity, gender equality, climate resilience, developing sustainable and green infrastructure. There is a great opportunity to continue building and integrating innovation across the SOs while expanding the reach and impact of SSCO’s programming. The WFP Regional Bureau Nairobi (RBN) has committed to giving WFP South Sudan some funds to continue with the Ignite Food Systems Challenge. The activity was managed by Innovation/CBT and implemented together with UNDP in the first phase. This new phase will be housed within Smallholder Agriculture Market Support (SAMS) of the Food Systems & Resilience Unit. The idea is that SAMS supported producers and market actors can become game-changers in food systems transformation through innovation. Importantly, this is one of the ways to push the CO’s integration agenda.

As WFP continues to launch annual WFP Innovation Challenge, it is looking for individuals who can champion the deployment of smart ideas and creative thinking to improve preparedness and prevention; support effective relief assistance, and boost food systems transformation and resilience.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under direct supervision of one of the Senior Food System and Reslience Officers, the National Programme Policy Officer (Innovation) will support the Head of Food Systems and Resilience to facilitate and foster innovation in the context of WFP activities in South Sudan, help innovation projects to scale, develop and establish local innovation ecosystems in South Sudan to help achieve sustainable food and nutrition security.
The National Programme Policy Officer (Innovation) will support the development and growth of impactful and sustainable innovations by leveraging WFP brand, public and private partners, deep field access, and expertise to develop, nurture and scale sustainable innovations to increase food and nutrition security as well as Food Systems Transformation.
The officer will participate and support the identification of problem statements or (market) opportunities, sourcing of innovations, management of innovation programme implementation and events with the support of the country office and support the scale-up of innovations through partnerships management and close coordination with relevant WFP and external stakeholders. More specifically, the National Programme and Policy Officer will:

Drive New Opportunities

Support development and execution of high-impact CO innovation strategy and roadmap aligned to the Country Strategic Plan, programme priorities and business goals.
Support the management of the portfolio of disruptive initiatives focused on programme and internal business process innovation.

Work closely with the cross-functional CO and Field Office teams to create new programming approaches and internal business models to deliver innovative and impactful food assistance programmes.
Support promotion of the CO innovation agenda; influence and obtain support from cross-functional CO teams for successful execution of the agenda.

Build and Grow Innovation Capabilities

Develop and maintain strong ties with all WFP CO cross-functional teams; educate and train teams on new solutions and innovations; drive innovation, presentations, and innovation sessions.
Act as the Innovation champion for the WFP South Sudan Country Office.
Encourage colleagues in to innovate and support the shift towards a thriving innovation culture that nurtures and promotes ideas from across the organization.
Organize education and support for new innovators amongst WFP staff and cooperating partners, entrepreneurs, and the people that we serve etc.
Track and report on innovation metrics, programme, and business impact on a regular basis.

Champion Innovation

Support the establishment of WFP South Sudan as a recognized innovation leader in the RBN region to further enhance our brand, attract and retain talent.
Support the identification of external assets and partners that may accelerate innovation and through partnerships.
Any other duties as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

Annual workplan developed, implemented, and reviewed WFP South Sudan IGNITE Innovation Challenge guidance developed/updated, disseminated, and put to use.
WFP South Sudan IGNITE Innovation Challenge footprint expanded in hard-to-reach areas with increased resources and integrated/coordinated with other WFP and partner programmes.
Joint annual workplan with relevant internal and external stakeholders developed, implemented, and reviewed.
Strategic and implementation partnerships in Innovation established and strengthened WFP represented in government and various coordination fora.
Effective utilization of donor resources in the IGNITE Innovation Challenge Fund implementation and social protection systems strengthening.
Quality and analytical programme documents produced

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: business, innovation, design, technology, international development, or another relevant technical field.
Post graduate level training or certification in monitoring and evaluation, project planning and management will be an added advantage

Experience:

Demonstrated minimum of 3 years’ experience in the following areas will be an added advantage: Real life application of design thinking and ability to help others to develop a strong understanding of design thinking too, so they can play their part in helping drive organisational change and innovation.
Ability to demonstrate resilience in the face of resistance.
Have a high level of emotional intelligence demonstrated through communication and engagement with empathy.
Ability to put forward truly creative ideas however crazy they might sound. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and inter-cultural communication.
High ethical standards and understanding of sensitivities pertaining to food assistance issues.
Ability to work collaboratively with others, build and maintain partnerships, innovate, and embraces change, think and act strategically, drive to achieve impactful results, manages ambiguity and complexity.

Knowledge & Skills:

Demonstrated ability to prepare concise and well-written programme documents (e.g., proposals, reports, briefs, and presentations) in English
Proficiency in computer programmes: e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Competencies: cognitive capacity, teamwork, action management, innovation, partnerships, and client orientation

Languages: